Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

1. Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Amy Mellonig Nancy Lucas Kim Smith

2. Listening Check Listen for: • No output • Muffled sound • Feedback • Distortion • Intermittent sound Without earmold With earmold

3. Listening Check • Turn the hearing aid on and speak while turning the volume control wheel slowly up and down • Use of the sounds /a/, /u/, /e/, /sh/, and /s/ are a good measure of the frequency response of the hearing aid • The hearing aid should be squeezed while do the listening check to check for intermittent sound

4. No Output

5. No Output • Battery- • Replace battery • Check battery with battery tester

6. No Output • Make sure that positive and negative terminal of battery are in proper position in the battery compartment

7. No Output • Make sure you have the correct type of battery for the aid.

8. No Output • Check for corrosion on battery compartment. This can be removed with a pencil eraser.

9. No Output • Check external switches- • Check to see that external switch is not set to “telecoil” or “off” position.

10. No Output • Earmolds- • Check to see that earmold is not impacted with wax. • The earmold may be washed with warm soapy water. • Be sure that earmold is completely dry before putting it back in the ear.

11. No Output • Tubing- • Make sure that tubing is not collapsed or clogged.

12. No Output • Moisture- • Check for moisture • If the hearing aid is wet, place aid in dry aid container

13. Review-No output

14. Review-No output • Test or replace battery • Make sure battery is inserted correctly • Make sure correct type of battery is being used • Check for corrosion on battery contact • Correct setting on external switches • Check to see that ear wax is not impacted on the opening of the earmold • Make sure tubing is not collapsed or clogged • Check for moisture • If the problem is unresolved, consult an audiologist

15. Hearing aid weak

16. Weak/Muffled Sound • Nearly exhausted battery • Battery that registers 1.0 volts or less should be discarded • If battery leakage occurs, discard battery properly

17. Muffled/Weak Sound • Check for dirty or clogged microphone screen

18. Muffled/Weak Sound • Earmold almost completely clogged with wax

19. Review-muffled/weak sound

20. Review Muffled/Weak Sound • Check for nearly exhausted battery • Discard battery if leakage occurs • Microphone opening dirty or clogged • Earmold almost completely clogged with wax • If internal defects are suspected, consult audiologist

21. Feedback

22. Feedback • Volume control setting is too high

23. Feedback • Improper fitting of earmold

24. Feedback • Crack in tubing

25. Feedback • With the volume control set at normal setting, put finger over earmold opening and listen for feedback. If no feedback occurs, then feedback is due to volume control or improper fitting of the earmold. If feedback still occurs . . .

26. Feedback • Remove earmold, and place finger over earhook. If feedback does not occur, then the problem is in the earmold or tubing. If feedback still occurs. .

27. Feedback • Remove earhook, and place finger over opening of the aid. If feedback does not occur, then the problem was in the earhook. If feedback still occurs, it is “internal feedback” and consult an audiologist.

28. Review-feedback

29. Review Feedback • Check volume control setting • Improper fitting of earmold • Crack in tubing • Check for feedback in earmold/tubing • Check for feedback in earhook • Check for internal feedback • If internal feedback is suspected, consult an audiologist

30. Distortion

31. Distortion • Distortion can be characterized as sounding scratchy, having static, weak volume or a “motorboating” effect.

32. Distortion • Check for corrosion on battery contacts and terminals • Clean contacts with battery contact cleaner (follow instructions carefully)

33. Distortion • Defective volume control • Change battery • Check for moisture

34. Distortion • Check for covered or clogged microphone opening

35. Distortion • Excessive wax in ear in student’s ear

36. Distortion • Earmold needs venting

37. Review-Distortion

38. Review Distortion • Check for corrosion on battery terminal • Change battery • Check microphone opening if it is covered or clogged • Excessive wax in child’s ear • Earmold needs venting • Moisture in hearing aid • Defective volume control • If problem is unresolved, consult an audiologist

39. Intermittent

40. Intermittent Sound • May be characterized by scratchy sound or hearing aid sounding like it is going on and off

41. Intermittent Sound • Corrosion on battery contacts and battery terminal

42. Intermittent Sound • If tubing collapses, sound may cut off

43. Intermittent Sound • Make sure that the battery is correctly seated and snug in battery compartment

44. Intermittent Sound • Possible defective volume control • Possible internal problems

45. Review-Intermittent

46. Review- Intermittent Sound • Check for corrosion on battery contacts and terminals • Make sure battery is correctly seated and snug in battery compartment • Make sure tubing does not collapse or bend when head is turned • Defective volume control • If internal problems are suspected, consult an audiologist

47. Routine Care of Hearing Aid

48. Routine care • Avoid high temperatures- Don’t leave hearing aid on the radiator or in the direct sunlight, or any other equipment that generates heat. Heat can damage the hearing aid amplifier and can cause batteries to deteriorate.

49. Routine care • Avoid Moisture- Keep hearing aid dry. Even perspiration can cause damage. If the child has trouble with excessive perspiration, you can purchase a dry aid kit. Place the aid in the kit overnight and it should be dry in the morning.

50. Routine care • Battery Care- • Keep several spare batteries handy in case battery goes dead. • Store batteries in a cool dry place. • Remove batteries from the aid at night to prolong battery life. • Keep battery contacts bright and clean. Poor contacts can contribute to loss of power and may result in a “frying” sound in the hearing aid. • Discard dead batteries properly